5 Things We'd Love to See in Microsoft Kinect 2

We're hearing swirling rumors of a successor to Microsoft's Kinect controller, and what the new system might be able to do. Here's what we'd want from Kinect 2, and how close the technology actually is.

5 Things We'd Love to See in Microsoft Kinect 2

5 Things We'd Love to See in Microsoft Kinect 2

Rumors are flying about a sequel to the Kinect controller for Xbox 360. The original device, released about a year ago, was a groundbreaking whole-body controller that relies on infrared sensors and camera detection to read your movements. The device sits near your HDTV and can identify you by body shape, understand voice commands, and map your movements (plus it's hackable, and PM gave Microsoft a 2011 Breakthrough Award for the Kinect development kit, which encourages people to use the hardware in new, innovative ways.)

Hints are trickling out about Kinect 2. The site EuroGamer reported, based on information obtained from an unidentified Xbox 360 developer, that the Kinect 2 would read lips when you speak and sense your mood. Since we're alpha geeks—never content with the current state of technology—that got us thinking about a few more features we'd like to see in the next release. We consulted with experts to see whether—and how—these enhancements could work in the next release.

1. Read Complex Finger Movements and Gestures

1. Read Complex Finger Movements and Gestures

The current Kinect is very good at detecting broad gestures, but several companies are working on more sophisticated gesture-control interfaces. That includes Russian developer DisplairFraunhofer FIT, and Oblong Industries, the company that developed the mockup system seen in Minority Report. These systems support complex gestures such as selecting an object in space, turning it around, zooming into a scene, and picking up objects. Next year Microsoft will release Kinect for Windows and has already made the SDK available for those who want to tinker with new subroutines for gesture control.

And the Kinect 2 may come equipped with a more powerful gesture-detection system. Rob Enderle, a consumer analyst with Enderle Group, suggested one idea: The Kinect 2 would understand sign language or let you create gestures that send messages to other players. Another: The new system could sense that you are holding an object in real life and want to use it in the game. For example, the Kinect 2 might know you're holding a Nerf gun or a paintball rifle and create a virtual equivalent.

Roger Kay, an analyst with Endpoint Technologies Group, says the runaway success of the Kinect and Nintendo Wii have shown that people generally like interacting with games through gestures. More complex control in the Kinect 2 could enhance gameplay. Imagine using one finger pointed to show you're using a gun, or a quick double-tap gesture to reload.